Hits Radio, a longstanding fixture in Swansea for over half a century, is set to end its operations in the city, bringing an end to its rich history. The popular localised breakfast show will be discontinued in favour of a national broadcast, with Bauer Media Group, the station’s owner, planning to network a single breakfast show across its Hits Radio network in England and Wales starting from June 9. This decision will mark the departure of local hosts Leigh and Claire, who have been an integral part of the station, with their last show scheduled for June 6.
The closure of Hits Radio’s Swansea base is part of a wider strategy by Bauer Media Group to streamline its operations and transition towards a more unified national broadcasting approach. This move will see the end of various regional and local shows, including the much-loved breakfast show hosted by Leigh and Claire. While no specific date has been provided for the closure of the Swansea building, it is expected to take place later this year. The restructuring will only impact roles within the breakfast segment, with other areas of the station remaining unaffected.
Hits Radio’s presence in Swansea dates back to its inception as Swansea Sound in 1974, eventually evolving into The Wave in 1998, before being rebranded as Hits Radio in 2024. The decision to discontinue the localised breakfast show and transition to a national broadcast marks a significant shift in the station’s broadcasting approach. Despite the changes, Hits Radio has stated its commitment to continue broadcasting local news and information for South Wales, as well as supporting disadvantaged young people in the region through its charity Cash for Kids.
Leigh and Claire, the beloved hosts of Hits Radio’s breakfast show, will bid farewell to their listeners as they prepare to leave the station on June 6. Their departure aligns with Hits Radio’s move towards a unified national breakfast show, catering to audiences across England and Wales. The station expressed its gratitude to Leigh and Claire for their dedication and the energy they brought to their morning show, highlighting their significant contribution to the station over the years.
The announcement of Hits Radio’s restructuring comes following the rebranding of the iconic 96.4FM The Wave to Hits Radio in 2024. This decision was met with mixed reactions from listeners, marking a new chapter in the station’s long-standing history. As Hits Radio embarks on this new phase of national broadcasting, it reflects a broader trend in the radio industry towards consolidating operations and reaching a wider audience through unified programming.
Hits Radio’s decision to transition to a national breakfast show model underscores the evolving landscape of radio broadcasting, where stations are adapting to changing listener preferences and market dynamics. While this move signals the end of an era for Hits Radio in Swansea, it also opens up new opportunities for the station to engage with audiences on a national scale. As the station bids farewell to localised programming, it looks towards a future of delivering content that resonates with audiences across England and Wales.